Summary: We need to be doing what the Angel could not.

The early church was certainly active at this time. Souls being saved, people being blessed, bodies being healed; and revival spirit was flowing. Note some 3 or 4 things with me by way of introduction.

Now verse 12 tells us:

And by the hands of the Apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people.

Here are 3 reasons why such miracles were permitted.

1. It helped keep the church together: verse 12

It was not the time for them to be scattered.

2. It brought about some respect for the Apostles. verse 13

God's true men must be respected, not as lords, but as servants of the most High God.

3. It caused the Church to increase in number. verse 14.

This is God's great purpose in His work today.

In verse 17 we see the Devil at work also...

For never did any good work go on with any hope of success, but it met with opposition, Satan, the destroyer, ever was, and ever is an imposing adversary.

1. Who Satan used as his tool: verse 17.

The high priest, and religious crowd.

Satan delights in causing turmoil among religious ranks.

2. How God's Servants Were Treated: verse 18.

This was an effort to degrade God's people.

3. What Procedure the Lord Took to Release Them verse 19.

The Lord intends to keep His work moving.

NOW LET US NOTICE WHAT THE ANGEL COULD NOT DO.

Go stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

I. HE COULD NOT GO IN MAN'S STEAD

A. Here the angel commanded the Apostles to GO.

I'm sure this angel would have delighted to go, for the Lord, you see he had his habitation with the Lord. But Angels cannot go in man's stead.